You're welcome! It's rather astounding that a simple post about a favorite beer can have such an effect. Is this a great forum or what?
Maybe I shouldn't mention that Long Trail brews an even maltier ale called Triple Bag? That one's classified as an American Strong Ale and clocks in at around 11% ABV. And I definitely shouldn't mention that it's even better than its little brother ...

Well, there is just such a place here in Nashua, NH. IncrediBrew is the oldest currently-operating BOP business in the US and seems to be doing very well as strictly BOP. Of course, they've got over 15 years in business and have built up a loyal customer base. They also offer wine and soda making on site to supplement the brewing side. I brewed there for years before switching to homebrewing, and still occasionally take advantage of a special offer to use their facility. The business is still going strong; a local news program has been filming there all week for segments to be airing next week. I certainly agree that a startup these days probably has to offer what you mention to survive long-term, but these guys have made their business model work for awhile.

Fermenting too warm will cause the yeast to create off flavors, in particular a "green apple" flavor. Keeping the wort temp at 65 or below will help prevent this. @MiniYoda's suggestions for keeping things cool are right on. My basement stays pretty cool, but in the summer the temperature hits around 70. At that point I keep the LBK in a cooler with two bottles of frozen water that I change out a couple of times each day. This works out very well for me. Of course, you could always go for a more elaborate system with a fridge and a temperature controller, but that's not necessarily a requirement unless you're looking to brew lagers (which need to ferment much cooler than ales).

Making it straight up the first time is never a mistake. Once you get a taste of the base refill, then you can consider how to augment it. If you add hops and/or malt the first time, you won't know if you liked or disliked it because of the NWPA itself or because of what you added. Good luck and good brewing!

Down to my last bottle of a Black IPA I made using Diablo HME, 1 oz of Centennial hops, and 4 oz each of Black Malt and Caapils (wanted to use 1/2 lb of Amber DME for a bit of additional kick and color but spaced it during brewing ... next time for sure!). Came out very well and I'm looking to make it again sometime, probably replacing the Centennial hops with Cascade.
The Gila Monster looks like something I might want to try sometime. Have everything on hand except the hops ... tempting, indeed!

Darn! I have the last of my supply conditioning in bottles now, should be ready to drink in a week or so. Kicked it up a notch or two with Munich malt and Fuggles hops. Your recipe, as always, looks intriguing. Keep us posted on the results!

I picked up the same kit (same date on the can as well!) at a flea market for the same price a couple of years ago. I actually tried making the beer, but it was pretty bad. Still use the LBK, though, and have never had a problem with the old-school spigot. Still, who could pass up the chance to get one of the spiffy new ones? Great find by your wife.